(२६६) free navigation of the Jumna and the posses- sion of both banks of that river. It is not my desire to extend the actual possessions of the Company beyond the line of the Jumina inclu- ding Agra and Delhi, with a continued chain of posts to the westward and southward of the Jumna for the purpose already described. Page-309. 35. It is extremely desirable that Bundel- cund should ultimately be placed under the immediate authority of the British Govern- ment. Such an arrangement would afford great additional seourity to the rich province and city of Benares and would effectually check whatever power might remain to the Rajah of Berar or to any other Mahratta chief in that quarter. 36. Reviewing these statements your Exce- llency will observe that the most prosperous issue of a war against Scindiah and the Rajah of Berar on the north-western frontier of Hindos- tan would in my judgment comprize, Ist. The destruction of the French state now formed on the banks of the Jumna toget- her with all its military resources.
